### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term *éleos* (G1656) fundamentally signifies compassion, pity, or mercy. It denotes an active, outward expression of concern for those in distress, leading to practical assistance or forbearance. Unlike a mere feeling of sympathy, *éleos* implies a disposition that moves one to alleviate suffering or to withhold deserved punishment. Its semantic range encompasses both divine and human compassion, emphasizing the active, relational nature of this quality. It is often understood as the benevolent impulse that leads to acts of kindness or forgiveness, particularly in the face of another's need or misery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The understanding of *éleos* in the New Testament is significantly enriched by its frequent use in the Septuagint (LXX) to translate the Hebrew word *chesed* (`{{H2617}}`). *Chesed* embodies steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing kindness, giving *éleos* a depth beyond simple pity.
In the New Testament:
* **Synoptic Gospels:** *Éleos* frequently appears in desperate pleas to Jesus, such as the blind men crying out, "Have mercy on us!" ([[Matthew 9:27]], [[Matthew 20:30-31]]), or the Canaanite woman's fervent appeal ([[Matthew 15:22]]). These instances underscore a recognition of Jesus' divine power and compassionate nature.
* **Luke's Gospel:** Luke particularly highlights God's mercy in the birth narratives ([[Luke 1:50]], [[Luke 1:54]], [[Luke 1:58]], [[Luke 1:72]], [[Luke 1:78]]). The parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:37]]) serves as a powerful illustration of active human mercy, contrasting it with mere religious observance.
* **Pauline Epistles:** Paul consistently presents *éleos* as a cornerstone of God's character and His redemptive plan. In [[Romans 9:15-16]], God's sovereign right to show mercy is affirmed, emphasizing that salvation is not by human effort but by divine initiative. [[Romans 11:31-32]] speaks of God's mercy encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. [[Ephesians 2:4-5]] declares, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." Similarly, [[Titus 3:5]] states, "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy."
* **Hebrews:** Jesus is described as a "merciful and faithful high priest" ([[Hebrews 2:17]]), capable of sympathizing with human weakness.
* **James:** The epistle stresses the importance of human mercy, declaring that "mercy triumphs over judgment" ([[James 2:13]]).
* **1 Peter:** God's great mercy is the source of our new birth into a living hope ([[1 Peter 1:3]]).
* **Jude:** Believers are exhorted to wait for "the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life" ([[Jude 1:21]]).
Contextually, *éleos* is often paired with *charis* (grace, `{{G5485}}`) and *eirēnē* (peace, `{{G1515}}`) in apostolic greetings, signifying its foundational role in God's dealings with humanity. It is distinct from forgiveness, as mercy is the compassionate disposition that precedes and prompts forgiveness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ***oiktirmos* (`{{G3628}}`):** Often translated "compassion" or "pity," this word tends to emphasize the inward feeling of sympathy or commiseration. While closely related to *éleos*, *éleos* often highlights the outward, active manifestation of that feeling.
* ***splagchnizomai* (`{{G4697}}`):** This verb means "to be moved with compassion" and describes a deep, visceral feeling of pity, often used to describe Jesus' emotional response to human suffering. It describes the *feeling* of mercy, whereas *éleos* describes the *expression* of it.
* ***charis* (`{{G5485}}`):** Grace. While interconnected, grace is unmerited favor—God's benevolent disposition towards humanity. Mercy (*éleos*) is the active expression of that favor, particularly in the face of human need, misery, or deserved punishment. Grace gives what is not earned; mercy withholds deserved punishment and provides needed help.
* ***chesed* (`{{H2617}}`):** The primary Hebrew equivalent in the Old Testament, especially in the LXX. *Chesed* encompasses loyalty, steadfast love, and kindness, often within a covenantal framework. This connection imbues *éleos* with the idea of God's faithful, active love that endures despite human failings.
* **Righteousness (*dikaiosynē*, `{{G1343}}`):** God's mercy is not in conflict with His righteousness. Rather, His mercy is often expressed in a way that upholds His justice, as seen in the provision of a substitute for sin. God is both just and the justifier of those who believe.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Attribute:** Mercy is a profound and fundamental attribute of God. He is consistently portrayed as "rich in mercy" ([[Ephesians 2:4]]), and His mercy is enduring, a frequent refrain throughout the Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 136]]), translated by *éleos* in the LXX. It reveals His benevolent nature and His active engagement with His creation, particularly humanity in its fallen state.
* **Basis of Salvation:** The New Testament unequivocally presents salvation as a direct outcome of God's mercy, not human merit or works ([[Titus 3:5]]). This truth underscores the radical nature of divine grace and God's sovereign initiative in conceiving and executing the plan of redemption. It is because of His mercy that He sent Christ and offers forgiveness and new life.
* **Call to Human Action:** While primarily a divine characteristic, *éleos* also serves as a compelling model for human behavior. Believers are commanded to be merciful, reflecting the character of God ([[Luke 6:36]]; [[Matthew 5:7]]). The parable of the unmerciful servant ([[Matthew 18:21-35]]) starkly illustrates the expectation that those who have received abundant mercy are obligated to extend it to others.
* **Source of Hope and Comfort:** The steadfast and enduring nature of God's mercy provides immense hope and comfort to believers, assuring them of His unwavering love, His readiness to hear their pleas, and His willingness to respond to their deepest needs.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness:** Drawing from its Old Testament roots in *chesed*, *éleos* carries the weight of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It signifies that God's compassion is not capricious but is an expression of His loyal, committed love, even when humanity breaks covenant.
### Summary
The Greek word *éleos* (G1656) denotes active compassion, pity, or mercy, manifesting as a practical concern for those in distress, often leading to intervention or forbearance. Deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of *chesed* (`{{H2617}}`), it signifies God's steadfast, covenantal love and kindness. In the New Testament, *éleos* is revealed as a core divine attribute, the very foundation of salvation, demonstrating God's sovereign initiative in redeeming humanity despite their unworthiness ([[Ephesians 2:4-5]]; [[Titus 3:5]]). It is frequently invoked in pleas to Christ and is consistently presented as the source of new life and hope ([[1 Peter 1:3]]). Furthermore, *éleos* is not merely a divine prerogative but also a moral imperative for believers, who are called to extend mercy to others as a reflection of the mercy they have received ([[Matthew 5:7]]; [[Luke 6:36]]). It is a powerful theological concept that highlights both God's character and the transformative power of His redemptive work.
TRV